The FINANCIAL — Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. unveiled designs for Le Méridien New Orleans, a milestone as the French-born brand prepares to return to the Crescent City by end of year.
As part of the strategic conversion plan of the former W New Orleans, the property has now transitioned to the Hotel New Orleans Downtown for the remainder of its $29 million renovation. Managed by Starwood Hotels, the Hotel New Orleans Downtown will remain open and fully operational as well as a member of the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program until Le Méridien debuts this winter, according to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
“Since acquiring Le Méridien in 2005, we have fully transformed the brand into a contemporary lifestyle experience dedicated to unlocking the destination through culture, cuisine and the arts,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and Westin Hotels. “Simultaneously, we have focused on developing a consistent portfolio through new openings and full-scale renovations globally, and we look forward to Le Méridien returning to New Orleans with a chic, cultured product designed for the creative and curious minded traveler,” he added.
Le Méridien New Orleans will feature 410 fully renovated guestrooms and corridors as well as a fully redesigned lobby experience, incorporating the signature Le Méridien Hub, a new destination restaurant and bar, and re-concepted second floor flexible meeting space. The hotel will continue to feature premium amenities such as the modern fitness facility, rooftop pool, and more than 15,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting and event space, according to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Designed by New York-based Meyer Davis, the inspiration for the hotel’s design incorporates the mid-century aesthetic of Le Méridien layered with contextual influences from the city of New Orleans. Design elements and patterns within the hotel draw from the architectural features of the city, including the iconic wrought iron work seen throughout the Big Easy. Cultural references from the Mardi Gras parade route to quotes from one of the city’s most famous sons – Louis Armstrong – layer the design with a lens that is both uniquely Le Méridien and specific to New Orleans.
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